Madison to flash new look, brighter outlook in 2014

Madison to flash new look, brighter outlook in 2014

By Jeff Jenkins |
June 10, 2014
| Updated: August 25, 2014 1:31pm

Marlins head coach Pat Reinecke on the sidelines of the Bellaire game Friday night.

More Information

Madison file

Dressed to kill: The Madison football team will have a different look this fall, thanks to new helmets. Head coach Pat Reinecke noted that the Marlins are changing things up in preparation for their highly anticipated move to District 20-5A.

Talent to spare: After struggling to a 4-7 finish a year ago, Madison should be a contender this season. Offensively, the Marlins welcome back senior quarterback Dante Arceneaux, senior running back Darrah Foreman and senior tight end Jontre Epps. The defense features key players like seniors Keenan Houston and Xavier Marshall at defensive end, senior Tracy Hall at defensive tackle, senior Nnanna Ezenwa and junior Adrian Carter at linebacker and junior Josh Jenkins at free safety.

Countdown to kick-off: Madison is gearing up for its opener against Fort Bend Marshall at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at Butler Stadium.

The Madison Marlins will sport a different look this season, starting with new helmets.

"Our helmets are blue now and we changed up the logo," said Madison head football coach Pat Reinecke said. "The kids wanted something fresher and a little more modern."

But Reinecke noted that Madison's players care about more than just being fashion-forward. With the Marlins dropping a classification and moving to District 20-5A, Madison Is determined to recapture its past glory.

"There's a lot of enthusiasm about going to 5A," said Reinecke, whose most recent squad was crushed by Katy 70-0 in the first round of the playoffs and finished 4-7. "We'll be going up against teams closer to our size, both in our district and in the playoffs. It's more of a fair fight."

Reinecke admitted the switch was on his players' minds during spring practice last month. Instead of facing long-time rivals such as Lamar, Bellaire and Westside, Madison is excited about taking on the likes of North Forest, Waltrip and Yates.

"The kids believe they have a chance to compete for a district championship," Reinecke said.

To prepare for the upcoming season, Reinecke and the coaching staff shook things up this spring, switching several players to different spots to give the Marlins the best shot to win in the fall.

Defensively, junior Josh Jenkins moved from strong safety to free safety, making way for senior Ethan Holmes. However, the two cornerback spots remain up for grabs.

"Josh and Ethan look solid, but we have three kids fighting for the two corner positions," Reinecke said.

Senior Nnanna Ezenwa, one of Madison's top college prospects, went from defensive end to mike linebacker.

"Nnanna is one of our biggest kids," Reinecke said. "He has the potential to be very disruptive in the middle."

Junior Adrian Carter also shifted from mike to sam linebacker, while senior Xavier Marshall changed from defensive tackle to end.

Other defensive standouts this spring were seniors Tracy Hall and Keenan Houston, who figure to start at defensive tackle and end, respectively.

Reinecke, though, admits it won't be easy replacing former stars like linebacker Kevin Duvisien (Valley City State University) and defensive tackle William Simpson (McMurry University).

On the offensive side, Madison has plenty of firepower, despite struggling to score points last season.

"Our quarterback, running back and tight end are back," Reinecke said. "That's a pretty good start."

Senior Dante Arceneaux will be a three-year starter at quarterback, giving the Marlins an edge over their competition.

"Dante ran mostly option the last two years, but he's worked hard on his passing technique," Reinecke said. "We expect to throw the ball more effectively."

Whether Madison opts to run or pass, they have plenty of choices.

Senior running back Darrah Foreman has the tools to be a 1,000-yard rusher, according to Reinecke.

"Darrah is 5-foot-11, 205 pounds. He's very strong and, with the offensive line we'll have, he should have a great season," Reinecke said.

Senior tight end Jontre Epps, a 6-4, 230-pounder, is another player drawing attention from colleges.

"Jontre has improved his blocking and catching," Reinecke said. "If he adds a little more muscle to his frame, he will do very well at the next level."

The receiving corps features seniors Robert Jones and Xavier Smith.

But all eyes were on sophomore Aaron Thomas this spring. Thomas, who led Madison's freshman team to a 7-3 finish, is one of Madison's most versatile athletes and could contribute at quarterback or receiver.

The offensive line is anchored by junior Anthony Thomas and senior Clifton Haggen at the tackles.

"Anthony is 6-6, 320 pounds and is getting a few looks (from colleges)," Reinecke said. "Clifton was our utility guy last year. He played all five positions on the (offensive) line."

But three-fifths of the offensive line will be new, with seniors Jaime Russell and Keyshawn Williams and juniors Kevin Maddox and Damon Thomas among the candidates.

Currently, the Marlins are participating in the Houston Independent School District's 7-on-7 summer league, in addition to off-season workouts. Reinecke, though, is counting on his players to show up in shape for fall practice, which gets under way on Monday, Aug. 11.

Madison kicks off the 2014 season against Fort Bend Marshall at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at Butler Stadium.